Howie Shines, White Hurt

The Detroit Red Wings have another streak going, and this time it's a positive one. The Wings beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 and the Dallas Stars 5-2 to string together four wins in a row.

Detroit isn't usually a streaky team, but this season it started that way, going 5-0 in their first five games, followed by six losses, and now four wins. In all of their wins, they've looked excellent, and in their losses the complete opposite. Throughout all of the games, the Wings have had one shining light in Jimmy Howard.

Howie has been spectacular this season, posting a record of 8-3-1 with a 1.66 GAA and 0.934 save percentage along with a league leading three shutouts.

Howard was not bothered with being left off the All Star ballot, saying that he only wants to play well and win games.

Ian White took a puck in the face in the win against the Stars and suffered a broken cheekbone. He will be out for 1-2 weeks. This will be an opportunity for Brendan Smith to be called up to serve the last game of his suspension and possibly play some games. Mike Commodore will replace White as of now.

Detroit had goals from the back end in the Dallas game, including White, Niklas Kronwall (who has been on a tear) and Brad Stuart, all on shots from the point. Johan Franzen and Darren Helm also scored.

Drew Miller, Kronwall and Valterri Filppula scored in the Edmonton game. Howard recorded the shutout.

After a six game home stand (4-1-1) Detroit will travel to St. Louis to face the Blues on Tuesday.